What to Do About Illegal Rent Increases in Wales

If your landlord in Wales tries to raise your rent in a way that seems unfair or outside the law, it's important to know your rights and the steps you can take to protect yourself. Welsh housing law sets clear rules on how and when rents can be changed. This guide breaks down how to identify an illegal rent increase, what to do next, and where to get official help — all in plain language for renters.

Understanding Rent Increases in Wales

Most renters in Wales now have occupation contracts under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016. There are strict rules for increasing your rent:

• Your landlord must give at least two months' written notice before the new rent starts.
• Rent can usually only be increased once per year using the correct notice form.
• Any increase must follow the terms set out in your contract and comply with the law.

If your landlord has not followed these steps, the rent increase could be illegal.

What Is an Illegal Rent Increase?

• You receive less than two months' written notice of the rent increase.
• The rent is increased more than once in 12 months.
• The formal notice (RHW12 or RHW33) is missing, incorrect, or not properly filled out.
• The new amount is unfairly high or not allowed under your contract.

How Should Rent Increases Be Served?

Landlords must use an official notice form:

• Form RHW12: For standard occupation contracts. Notice (Section 104): Increasing the rent for a standard contract. Used when changing rent on 'standard' contracts after the fixed term. For example, if your 12-month contract turns periodic and your landlord wishes to raise the rent, they must serve this form at least two months before.
• Form RHW33: For converted (older) contracts. Notice to increase rent for converted contracts. Used for tenancies that began before the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 but were converted to occupation contracts. Your landlord must still give two months' notice and use the correct form.

If you did not receive the right form or the details are wrong, the increase may not be valid.

Challenging an Illegal Rent Increase

Think your rent increase is unlawful? There are steps you can take to challenge it:

Step-by-Step Guide

• Check your notice: Confirm it meets legal requirements (correct form, two months’ notice, only once per 12 months).
• Contact your landlord: Write to your landlord, explain your concerns, and ask for clarification or withdrawal of the increase.
• Seek advice: Contact Shelter Cymru, your local council, or Citizens Advice for guidance.

If the landlord insists on the increase and you believe it's unfair or unlawful, you can apply to an independent tribunal.

Applying to a Tribunal

If you and your landlord can't agree, you have the right to challenge the increase through the Residential Property Tribunal Wales. The tribunal can decide if the new rent is fair and legal. This process is free for renters.

• You must apply within the deadline stated in your notice (usually before the increase takes effect).
• This tribunal is an independent body set up by the Welsh Government to resolve housing disputes.

Relevant Laws and Legislation

Rules about rent increases are set out in the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016. This law and related guidelines explain how your rent can (and can't) be changed in Wales.

FAQs About Rent Increases in Wales

1. How much notice must my landlord give for a rent increase in Wales?
   Your landlord must provide at least two months’ written notice using the correct official form before increasing your rent.
2. What can I do if my landlord didn’t use the right form?
   If the required form (RHW12 or RHW33) wasn’t used correctly, the rent increase may not be valid. You should notify your landlord and seek advice from an official support service like Shelter Cymru or your local council.
3. Who decides if a rent increase is fair in Wales?
   The Residential Property Tribunal Wales reviews disputes related to rent increases and decides what a fair market rent should be.
4. Can my landlord increase the rent more than once a year?
   No. For most occupation contracts under Welsh law, rent can only be increased once every 12 months unless your written contract specifically states otherwise.
5. What if I pay the increased rent but think it was illegal?
   You may still be able to challenge the increase, but seek advice immediately—this could affect your case.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Residential Property Tribunal Wales – Guidance & Application Forms
• Welsh Government Housing – Official Policies & Tenant Rights
• Shelter Cymru – Free Support and Advice for Renters
• Citizens Advice Wales – Contact and Local Offices

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1. Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016
2. Official RHW12 Rent Increase Notice (Welsh Government)
3. Official RHW33 Rent Increase Notice (Welsh Government)
4. Residential Property Tribunal Wales

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